How to Build a RC Model Airplane
Building RC model airplanes is a hobby enjoyed by people around the world. Model airplanes are built to a large variety of specifications, from simple engineless sailplanes to advanced large-scaled jet aircraft. For the beginner, however, a good starting model that combines ease of construction with good flight characteristics is an EPP (expanded poly propylene) foam body electric model kit. An EPP foam body is durable, able to withstand some rough handling and easily repairable. Kits are available containing everything the modeler needs to quickly construct the airplane and get it into the air.
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Things You'll Need
- EPP foam model aircraft kit
- Straightedge
- Razor knife
- 3 mm carbon fiber tubes
- 2 mm screwdriver
- Super glue
- Baking soda
- Hot glue
- Engine mount
- Screws
- Electric engine
- Servos
- Landing gear
- Push-pull rods
- Speed controller
- Radio receiver and transmitter
- Battery pack
- Propeller
Instructions
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1
Buy an EPP RC model airplane kit online or from a hobby shop.
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2
Sand the airplane parts using the foam pieces themselves to sand with. Applying a small amount of pressure, rub the foam parts together to get the surfaces completely smooth.
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3
Cut a channel in the wings using a razor knife about 1/4 inch deep at the thickest point of the wing on both faces, using a straightedge to provide a good clean cut. Use a 2 mm screwdriver to remove the foam from the cut. Insert carbon rods into this channel spanning the entire length of the wing and glue them into place using super glue. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda onto the glue to strengthen it and remove the excess. The carbon fiber will provide additional support to the wing, creating a firmer structure. Glue carbon fiber supports into the fuselage of the airplane below the wing, into the rudder piece and into the aileron and elevator.
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4
Build the aircraft body, following the manufacturer's directions. Use hot glue to attach the wings, tailpiece and rudder to the aircraft body. Go light on the glue, as any added weight detracts from the airplane's performance.
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5
Attach the engine to your aircraft by mounting a plywood panel to the aircraft nose to act as a firewall between the engine and the aircraft body as well as to provide a solid mounting foundation for the motor. Attach the engine to the plywood piece, clamping it securely into place.
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6
Install the servos into the aircraft body, using hot glue to secure them. The servos operate the rudder, elevator and aileron, so will have to be placed carefully to control the push-pull control system rods. The location of servo installation should be in the kit's directions.
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7
Install the control system for your airplane. Most RC airplanes use a push-pull system for controlling the elevator, aileron and rudder of the aircraft. Run the rods of the push-pull system through the body of the aircraft and connect them to all three controlled parts. Connect the other end of the rods to the servos.
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8
Install the speed controller and the radio receiver. Wire the receiver to the speed controller and the servos, and wire the speed controller to the engine.
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9
Mount the battery onto the aircraft to provide power for the electrics and the motor.
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Tips & Warnings
Install the battery to the right side of the airplane with the electrics on the left to counterbalance the torque created by the running propeller, which would otherwise cause the plane to run to the left and upward.
For thinner aircraft only install a single tube along the bottom of the wing structure.
Carbon fiber tubing will only provide support for plane with a wingspan of 3 feet or under.
